Severe Tropical Cyclone Quenton

23 - 29 January 1994

Summary

Tropical cyclone Quenton began as a tropical low to the east of Christmas Island at 0000 UTC 23 January. Enhanced cross-equatorial flow resulting from a surge in the northeast trades across the South China Sea during the previous two days, combined with an enhanced region of upper-level divergence over the equatorial east Indian Ocean appeared to be the major factors responsible for cyclogenesis. The low moved slowly southwest, reaching cyclone strength on the morning of 25 January.

Further intensification occurred as the cyclone took a more southerly track during that day. The period of more southward movement was associated with an increase in meridionality of the middle-level flow due to an amplifying trough to the south. During 26 January the middle-level trough relaxed and the cyclone changed direction back towards the southwest and formed an eye. By early on 27 January low-level cloud lines on the northwest side of the circulation indicated that shearing was taking place. The increase in shear was due to a combination of strengthening northwest winds in the high levels and a strong northeast flow in lower levels. Quenton continued to move to the south-west and weakened to below cyclone strength during 27 January.

There was no report of significant impact associated with TC Quenton .